Stationary Bike Control System for Realistic Force Simulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exercise equipment fails to accurately simulate the dynamic forces and movements of actual physical activities, leading to a less realistic and less effective workout experience, as it does not accurately replicate the Newtonian laws of motion and muscle recruitment patterns of real exercises.
Innovation Solution
A control system and method that simulates physical activities by using a combination of sensors and a controller to generate resistance forces that mimic the dynamics of the activity, such as a stationary bike with a force-generating device like an alternator, which varies resistance based on user input and emulates inertia, acceleration, and other factors to provide a more realistic workout experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If constant-force or constant-power control schemes are used in exercise equipment, then the equipment can provide consistent resistance, but the force feedback does not realistically simulate the forces encountered in actual physical activity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where sensors measure actual position, velocity, and acceleration of moving parts, and the controller adjusts resistance forces in real-time based on the difference between measured and expected values. This closed-loop feedback enables realistic simulation of physical activity forces while maintaining reliable and consistent exercise experience.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical resistance mechanisms with an electronically controlled force-generating device (such as an alternator or motor) that can dynamically adjust resistance forces. This substitution allows for more precise and varied force control, enabling realistic simulation of physical activity while reducing mechanical complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the resistance force varies to simulate hills or other conditions, then the workout becomes more realistic, but the control mechanisms do not provide accurate force feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback from sensors measuring position, velocity, and acceleration to continuously adjust resistance forces. This enables accurate simulation of varying workout conditions (hills, sprints, intervals) with precise force feedback that matches the intended workout profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes resistance force parameters based on desired workout conditions. The controller adjusts force magnitude, direction, and timing to simulate different physical scenarios (ascending hills, sprinting, steady-state cycling), providing both workout variety and measurement precision.
3Ease of operation
If the equipment mimics physical activity movement patterns, then the workout experience is more realistic, but the Newtonian laws of motion are not accurately replicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive mechanical systems with an actively controlled force-generating device that can apply forces consistent with Newtonian physics. The controller calculates required forces based on mass, acceleration, and external conditions, then applies appropriate resistance forces to accurately replicate physical activity dynamics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts resistance force parameters to match the physics of actual physical activity. By varying force magnitude and timing based on measured position, velocity, and acceleration, the system replicates Newtonian motion patterns while providing a natural and intuitive user experience.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides a workout experience that closely mimics actual biking by varying resistance forces to simulate the forces and movements of riding a real bicycle, enhancing muscle recruitment and overall workout effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
an alternator operably connected to the user interaction member. The alternator provides a variable force tending to resist movement of the user interaction member
Implementation Method 2
The variable force varies according to variations of a field current applied to the alternator
Data Source
AI summary
A control system and method for exercise equipment and the like provides a way to simulate a physical activity in a manner that takes into account the physics of the physical activity being simulated to provide an accurate simulation. According to one aspect of the present invention, the control system and method takes into account the physics of the corresponding physical activity to generate a virtual or predicted value of a variable such as velocity, acceleration, force, or the like. The difference between the virtual or expected physical variable and a measured variable is used as a control input to control resistance forces of the exercise equipment in a way that causes the user to experience forces that are the same or similar to the forces that would be encountered if the user were actually performing the physical activity being simulated rather than using the exercise equipment.